Software Engineering Lead

Job Title: Software Engineering Lead

Location: Frimley, Portsmouth, Filton, New Malden, Dorchester, Glasgow. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: Up to £85,500 depending on skills and experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

This role is pivotal in shaping how software is engineered, governed, and assured across some of the UK’s most complex and safety‑critical naval platforms. It sets the standards, frameworks, and capabilities that ensure software is not only high‑performing, but also safe, secure, and trusted. Sitting at the intersection of engineering, delivery, and assurance, it influences how software is designed, procured, and validated across Naval Ships, with decisions that directly affect programme outcomes, regulatory compliance, and long‑term operational capability. Ultimately, the role enables the organisation to move faster with confidence—balancing agility with robust risk management—while ensuring that software continues to support frontline operations reliably and safely.

Core Duties:

• Build and grow Software engineering capability, defining standards, developing people, and influencing teams, suppliers, and partners
• Set direction and lead strategy for software acquisition and assurance across Naval Ships, shaping how we deliver trusted software at scale
• Own and evolve Software Engineering Assets, embedding best practice, regulatory requirements, and modern engineering approaches
• Provide enterprise‑level assurance and governance, ensuring software activities across programmes are effective, compliant, and value‑driven

Essential Skills:

• You will be degree qualified in a STEM related subject or equivalent working experience, ideally a Chartered Engineer (or equivalent) and a member of an appropriate professional institution
• You will have proven technical leadership in software engineering or assurance within complex, safety‑critical or highly regulated environments
• You will have a strong understanding of software lifecycle, acquisition, and assurance frameworks (including safety, security, and compliance)
• You will have demonstrated ability to operate at senior level, influencing stakeholders, shaping strategy, bringing people together and driving organisational change

The team:

The team itself is small, collaborative, and highly influential, operating as a central function that supports a wide and diverse software engineering community. Built on a foundation of expertise and strong relationships, it provides both guidance and practical support, helping to shape a capable workforce, modernise tools and processes, and embed best practice across programmes.

A key attraction of the role is its broad reach and tangible impact—it offers the opportunity to enhance engineers’ day‑to‑day experience, introduce innovative tools and ways of working, and drive meaningful improvements in delivery.

With a supportive culture and a clear purpose, the role combines strategic influence with hands‑on impact, making it an exciting opportunity for someone looking to effect real change at scale.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 24th June 2026 – Interviews will take place w/c 29th June 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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